A unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo and recognition by other countries "will not remain without consequences," visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
Lavrov made the remarks following a meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, whose country also fears that the Kosovo case will have a negative impact on the future of this ethnically divided island.
The four-month negotiations mediated by the troika of U.S., European Union (EU) and Russian envoys on the future status of Kosovo, legally still part of Serbia, have failed to achieve any result acceptable to Pristina and Belgrade.
Kosovo is expected to declare its independence early in 2008 with Western backing. The United States and most EU member states support statehood for Kosovo. Serbia, backed by Russia, warns that it would unleash chaos in the fragile Balkans.
Lavrov reiterated Russia's opposition to such a unilateral declaration, saying "those countries (which support the independence of Kosovo) will violate international law."
"This will create a chain reaction throughout the Balkans and other areas of the world. Those who devise such plans must weigh up the consequences very carefully," he said.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey militarily intervened and occupied the north of the island following a coup by a group of Greek officers who pushed for union with Greece.
For several decades, the United Nations has continuously worked to persuade Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to find a viable and mutually acceptable solution. But no breakthrough has been made so far.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article